Crash of a Swearingen SA26T Merlin IIA in Olive Branch: 1 killed
Date & Time:
Nov 22, 1978 at 1851 LT
Operator:
Registration:
N2301N
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Jackson - Memphis
MSN:
T26-002
YOM:
1967
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Captain / Total hours on type:
100.00
Circumstances:
On approach to Memphis International Airport in marginal weather conditions, the twin engine airplane struck the ground and crashed in Olive Branch, about 8 miles southeast of the airport. The airplane was destroyed and the pilot, sole on board, was killed.
Probable cause:
Controlled collision with ground on final approach due to improper IFR operation. The following contributing factors were reported:
- Low ceiling (300 feet),
- Visibility less than a mile,
- Weather conditions below minimums,
- Controller warned pilot of low altitude alert three times.
- Low ceiling (300 feet),
- Visibility less than a mile,
- Weather conditions below minimums,
- Controller warned pilot of low altitude alert three times.
Final Report:
